Safe Prescription Drug Drop Off Program

Establishing drug drop-off boxes at each of the city’s 5 District Police Stations is part of Mayor Brown’s overdose prevention initiative

August 28, 2014 – In an effort to provide a convenient location for anyone who wants to safely and anonymously dispose of prescription drugs and to stem the growing national trend of people, especially minors, abusing pharmaceuticals, Mayor Byron Brown and Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda unveiled the Buffalo Police Department’s new prescription drug drop-off boxes at each of the five District Police Stations.

“We’re pleased to offer this additional service for the citizens of Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “The drop-off boxes are a safe option for the disposal of unused, unwanted and potentially dangerous drugs.”

The City of Buffalo has established a prescription pill and medication drop-off box in an effort to provide citizens with an easy, secure and safe way to dispose of prescription drugs. The drop boxes will be housed in the lobby of each of the Buffalo Police Department’s 5 District Stations, which are as follows:

A-DISTRICT1847 South Park Avenue

B-DISTRICT695 Main Street

C-DISTRICT

693 East Ferry Street

D-DISTRICT669 Hertel Avenue

E-DISTRICT2767 Bailey Avenue

“This new service will assist in keeping unwanted, expired or unused medications out of the hands of individuals who might otherwise abuse prescription drugs,” said Commissioner Derenda. “Studies show that residential supplies of pharmaceutical substances have become the supply of choice for a wide range of first-time users and criminals. A high percentage of abusers are teens who report that they obtained their controlled substances from the homes of family and friends.”

Buffalo Police worked closely with the Erie County Health Department, which funded the drop-off boxes as part of the ‘High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area’ initiative. Residents can drop off unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications at all locations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no questions asked. Once collected, police officers will ensure medications are safely disposed of in an eco-friendly way and in accordance with federal and state guidelines. This program is for household medications only. Medical professionals are not eligible.